Ah, so this is normal for Dobermans. But aren't guarding breeds supposed to be uh, watchful? How watchful can one be if you're staring off into space wishing you could get on with the walk instead of standing there stupidly while strangers prattle at you? Shouldn't these strangers be sized up or at least sniffed?
Just because my dogs don't jump in your lap doesn't mean they aren't watchful. They didn't initiate contact but I would guarantee if you made a move that they considered "inappropriate" you would wish they were still ignoring you. LOL
I did not train these dogs to be this way, that is just the way they were. Not all the dogs from my bloodline were so aloof, but I did have 2... Matter of fact, my old female Elka would not give most people the time of day but if I said OUCH (from stubbing my toe or something) she would look for someone's butt to kick. Usually my ex-husband... really pretty cool. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Dogd have more senses than just vision, and even when they seem to be staring off into space they are often paying close attention to their surroundings. There are some breeds, and individuals, that will use this as a technique to "sucker" an agitator in to doing something so they can bite. Giants are good for this. When my Giant is on a watch he will start looking at the agitator and if much time goes by he will shift his gaze apparently away from the agitator. Until they figured it out, the agitators would invariably try o get his attention back. When they did he nailed them. In addition it would also tend to make a mistake and get a sleeve out of position and he would be able to go around the equipment and get the person.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
I saw some show on Animal Planet which followed the training of a Great Dane being used for physical support of this old guy in the event had an epileptic episode (not a seizure, just one of those lapses in consciousness) while walking. If the guy stopped, the dog would stop and do whatever. The point is, the dog is sensing the most minute changes in his owner while not even facing him. The dog's head (and field of vision) were well in front of the owner. To someone who didn't recognize what was going on, it looked like a normal dog out for a walk just enjoying his surroundings. Did not look "focused" one bit.
I had a GSD/Dane mix that always made physical contact with me on walks. He knew where I was at and could still enjoy the view. With a heel command he never touched me, or looked at me(I didn't require him to). He knew I was the focus but he was still aware of everything going on around him. In heel position, he usually just looked straight ahead. To someone who didn't know him, he looked like he could care less about his suroundings, but he was very aware.
Cindy, it's funny that you mention the OUCH thing. My male has started doing the same thing. I have to watch what I say when I have people over. If I say that and I'm in another room he runs in and starts checking on everybody.
As to my female, despite the fact that she ignores people she keep that one eye on them. Even when people come to our house she will lie down at my feet and just stare at them. She's very tuned into every move they make.
Robert VanCamp Webboard User Reg: 11-28-2001
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Cindy's post brings up a question, anybody with working dogs ever get into "disagreements" with family members while the dogs are in the room.
I always knew when I was in BIG trouble because my wife would grab a treat and put the dogs out on the deck. "uh oh. . .this isn't gonna be pretty." lol
My old dog wouldn't put up with "vigorous discussion", he would take sides. . .lol.
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